Pneumonia Treatment
in NYC

If you’re feeling sick with a cough, fever, or trouble breathing, you may have pneumonia—a lung infection that can become serious fast. At Manhattan Medical Arts, we provide walk-in, online, and same-day appointments for pneumonia treatment in Manhattan and Forest Hills, so you can get expert care without delay.

Dr. Syra Hanif, our board-certified Primary Care Physician, brings years of experience diagnosing and treating pneumonia right here in NYC.

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What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a common and sometimes serious lung infection that affects people of all ages. It occurs when germs—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—cause inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs. These sacs can fill with fluid or pus, making it hard to breathe and causing symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening.

Types of Pneumonia

Bacterial Pneumonia
(most common in adults)

Viral Pneumonia
(Flu, RSV, COVID-19)

Fungal Pneumonia
(rare, usually in immunocompromised patients)

Aspiration Pneumonia
(when food or liquid enters
the lungs)

Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) Pneumonia

Symptoms of Pneumonia
in Adults

Recognizing pneumonia early is essential. Symptoms can start slowly or appear suddenly, and they often look like a severe cold or flu. Understanding what to look for can help you know when it’s time to get medical care before the infection becomes more dangerous.

Common signs and symptoms include:

Cough (With Green, Yellow, Or Bloody Mucus)

Fever and
Chills

Shortness of
Breath

Chest Pain when Breathing or Coughing

Fatigue and
Weakness

Sweating

Headache

Loss of
Appetite

Confusion (Especially in Older Adults)

Blue Lips or Fingertips
(A Sign of Low Oxygen)

Causes and Risk Factors

Pneumonia doesn’t happen out of nowhere. It develops when germs enter your lungs and your body can’t clear them effectively. Some people are more likely to get pneumonia or have a more serious illness if infected.

Most common causes:

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the most frequent bacterial cause)
Influenza virus, RSV, COVID-19
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (walking pneumonia)
Legionella pneumophila (Legionnaires’ disease)
Fungal spores (in certain environments)

Major risk factors:

Age over 65
Smoking
Chronic lung conditions (COPD, asthma)
Diabetes or heart disease
Weak immune system
Recent flu or cold
Hospitalization or long-term care stays

How We Diagnose Pneumonia at
Manhattan Medical Arts

Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to starting the right treatment quickly. At Manhattan Medical Arts, our team uses proven testing methods to confirm pneumonia and figure out the cause.

Here’s how we test for pneumonia:

A thorough medical history and physical exam to check breathing and overall health
Chest X-rays on site to look for lung inflammation or fluid
Blood tests (CBC) to detect infection
Pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels

Sputum tests to identify bacteria
Urine tests for certain bacterial infections like Legionella

Result: You get a clear diagnosis and a plan you can trust.

Our Pneumonia
Treatment Approach

Treatment depends on what’s causing your pneumonia, how sick you are, and whether you have other health conditions. Our goal is always to help you feel better as soon as possible and prevent complications.

Treatment options include:

Bacterial Pneumonia
Antibiotics that target the infection

Viral Pneumonia
Supportive care plus antiviral medication if needed

Fungal Pneumonia
Antifungal medications (for rare cases)

Aspiration Pneumonia
Specialized antibiotics and close monitoring

Severe Cases
Referral for hospital care, IV antibiotics, or oxygen therapy

You can access same-day visits, telemedicine consults, on-site X-rays, and blood testing all under one roof.

Why Choose
Manhattan Medical Arts

Choosing the right clinic makes a difference in how quickly you recover. At Manhattan Medical Arts, we blend medical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care.

Here’s why so many New Yorkers trust us:

Local
Expertise

Care Designed For Manhattan And Forest Hills Residents

Dr. Syra Hanif’s
experience

Years Treating Pneumonia In Adults

Complete
Services

Walk-in, online, and same-day appointments

Insurance
accepted

Plus Self-Pay Options For Your Convenience

Trusted
Methods

Our Care Aligns With Guidelines From The CDC, NIH, And FDA

You can access same-day visits, telemedicine consults, on-site X-rays, and blood testing all under one roof.

Problem and
Solution

Pneumonia is serious—especially if treatment is delayed. Every year in the U.S., over 1 million people are hospitalized because of pneumonia, and about 50,000 die from it (CDC). But early diagnosis and treatment
can keep you out of the hospital and protect your health.

Our Solutions:

Prompt, accurate diagnosis with same-day results
Personalized treatment plans
Monitoring to prevent severe complications
Preventive care and education

Complications of Untreated Pneumonia

If pneumonia isn’t treated quickly, it can lead to life-threatening complications. That’s why it’s so important to get help early.

Possible complications:

Respiratory Failure: Needing a breathing machine
Sepsis: Infection spreading through your body
Pleural Effusion: Fluid around the lungs
Empyema: Pus collecting in the lung lining
Lung Abscesses: Pockets of infection inside the lungs

Prevention Tips
and Patient Education

Prevention starts with protecting yourself from infections and keeping your immune system strong. We help our patients take proactive steps to reduce their risk.

What you can do:

Get vaccinated:
- Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV15, PCV20, PPSV23) if
  you’re 19–64 with risk factors or 65+
- Flu vaccine every year
- COVID-19 vaccine to lower viral pneumonia risk

Wash your hands often
Avoid smoking
Stay home when you’re sick
Manage chronic illnesses

When to Seek Medical Help

Pneumonia can get worse quickly, so it’s important to know when to act.

Call 911 if you have:

Severe trouble breathing
Chest pain that feels crushing or heavy
Blue lips or fingertips
Sudden confusion or fainting

Call us or come in today if you have:

Cough with green, yellow, or bloody mucus
High fever with chills
Shortness of breath
Symptoms that aren’t improving

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pneumonia?

It’s an infection that fills the air sacs in your lungs with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult.

How do you get pneumonia?

By inhaling bacteria, viruses, fungi, or food/liquid into the lungs.

Is pneumonia contagious?

Bacterial and viral pneumonia can spread through coughs or sneezes.

How long can pneumonia last in adults?

Mild cases clear in 1–2 weeks; severe cases may take 6–8 weeks or longer.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

With a physical exam, chest X-ray, blood tests, and sometimes sputum tests.

What makes pneumonia worse?

Smoking, delayed treatment, and chronic illness.

When should I see a doctor?

If symptoms are severe or not improving within a few days.

Manhattan Medical Arts

The Healthcare You Deserve